Purple Mountainheath
Phyllodoce breweri
Merrie Freed
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Phyllodoce
- Species:
- Phyllodoce breweri
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- Purple
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: California, Nevada
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds require 2 months of cold stratification at 35°F mixed with moist vermiculite in a sealed plastic bag.
Establishment: The plant is known to grow in Nevada and California, mostly in wetland and subalpine field-type areas. It is also found on moist rocky slopes, meadows, sub-alpine at 4,000-11,000 feet. Germination rate and time may vary based on temperature and pre-treatment.
Source: npn.rngr.net